April 27, 1979: Fiesta sniper kills 2, injures 51

By Photos by San Antonio Light and Express-News photographers

Photo: William Luther/San Antonio Express-News

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Two people were killed and 51 injured on April 27, 1979, when Ira Attebury opened fire from inside his mobile home on a festive crowd gathered to watch the Battle of Flowers Parade at the intersection of Broadway and East Grayson Street.

PHOTO: T.J. Lapping is comforted by his aunt Dianne Wick while his mother, who was shot in the neck by Ira Attebury, is treated nearby on Friday, April 27, 1979, in San Antonio. less

Two people were killed and 51 injured on April 27, 1979, when Ira Attebury opened fire from inside his mobile home on a festive crowd gathered to watch the Battle of Flowers Parade at the intersection of ... more

Photo: COURTESY UTSA'S INSTITUTE OF TEX

Two people were killed and 51 injured on April 27, 1979, when Ira... Photo-4479433.60482 - San Antonio Express-News

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Fiesta sniper victim Dianne Wick is stunned after her left temple was "creased" by a shot fired from a sniper's gun Friday, April 27, 1979.

Fiesta sniper victim Dianne Wick is stunned after her left temple was "creased" by a shot fired from a sniper's gun Friday, April 27, 1979.

Photo: AL RANSOM, SAN ANTONIO LIGHT

Fiesta sniper victim Dianne Wick is stunned after her left temple... Photo-4479443.60482 - San Antonio Express-News

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The last remaining spectators scramble away from hiding places at the parade scene on Broadway while local law enforcement officers attempt to secure the area on Friday, April 27, 1979.

The last remaining spectators scramble away from hiding places at the parade scene on Broadway while local law enforcement officers attempt to secure the area on Friday, April 27, 1979.

Retired officer James Middleton wipes a tear from his face Friday afternoon, Jan. 11, 2007, at Municipal Auditorium after receiving the San Antonio Police Department's Medal of Valor award, the department's highest honor, for his actions during the 1979 Fiesta Sniper shooting. less

Retired officer James Middleton wipes a tear from his face Friday afternoon, Jan. 11, 2007, at Municipal Auditorium after receiving the San Antonio Police Department's Medal of Valor award, the department's ... more

Photo: WILLIAM LUTHER, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

Retired officer James Middleton wipes a tear from his face Friday... Photo-4479429.60482 - San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Police Chief Albert Ortiz (right) places the Purple Heart Medal around the neck of Sgt. Louis Grassmuck for his outstanding police work during the 1979 Fiesta parade sniper incident, Tuesday, March 4, 2003. less

San Antonio Police Chief Albert Ortiz (right) places the Purple Heart Medal around the neck of Sgt. Louis Grassmuck for his outstanding police work during the 1979 Fiesta parade sniper incident, Tuesday, March ... more

Cecilia Penix holds a photograph of her mother, Amelia Castillo, at Penix's home in San Antonio on Thursday, April 23, 2009. Cecilia was shot in the hand and her mother was killed by the sniper, Ira Attebury, during the 1979 Battle of Flowers Parade. less

Cecilia Penix holds a photograph of her mother, Amelia Castillo, at Penix's home in San Antonio on Thursday, April 23, 2009. Cecilia was shot in the hand and her mother was killed by the sniper, Ira Attebury, ... more

Gary Nagy was the first person shot by Ira Attebury at the 1979 Battle of Flowers Parade. He was an SAPD lieutenant at the time. His former wife, Gayla, and his children were also shot that day. His son Shane (left) was 6 years old at the time of the incident, and was shot in the foot. less

Gary Nagy was the first person shot by Ira Attebury at the 1979 Battle of Flowers Parade. He was an SAPD lieutenant at the time. His former wife, Gayla, and his children were also shot that day. His son Shane ... more

Photo: HELEN L. MONTOYA, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

Gary Nagy was the first person shot by Ira Attebury at the 1979... Photo-4479430.60482 - San Antonio Express-News